Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Cheyenne vs Rock Springs: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Cheyenne, WY and Rock Springs, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cheyenne, WY
$44,497
$21.40/hr
Rock Springs, WY
$42,212
$20.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCheyenne, WYRock Springs, WY
Median Salary$44,497$42,212
Hourly Rate$21.40$20.29
Entry Level (P10)$32,391$34,862
25th Percentile$38,283$36,459
75th Percentile$55,647$51,107
Top Earner (P90)$66,381$59,125
Total Employed134
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cheyenne ($44,497) and Rock Springs ($42,212) sterile processing technician salaries.CheyenneRock SpringsMedian Salary$44,497$42,212Entry Level (P10)$32,391$34,862Top Earner (P90)$66,381$59,125US Median $47,724

Verdict

Cheyenne, WY offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rock Springs.

The salary gap between Cheyenne and Rock Springs is $2,285 (5.41%). Cheyenne's median is -6.76% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cheyenne spans $33,990,Rock Springs spans $24,263. Cheyenne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cheyenne
P10 (Entry)$32,391
P25$38,283
Median$44,497
P75$55,647
P90 (Top)$66,381
Rock Springs
P10 (Entry)$34,862
P25$36,459
Median$42,212
P75$51,107
P90 (Top)$59,125

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cheyenne ($46,448 effective) pays 5.41% more than Rock Springs ($44,063 effective).

Cheyenne
Nominal: $44,497
CoL Index: 95.8
Adjusted: $46,448
Rock Springs
Nominal: $42,212
CoL Index: 95.8
Adjusted: $44,063

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cheyenne if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,497/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,381)
  • Larger job market (13 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,448)
  • You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle

Choose Rock Springs if…

  • You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Cheyenne grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Rock Springs over the same period.

Cheyenne, WY

+2.2%

$41,756 (2024) → $42,695 (2025)

Rock Springs, WY

+2.2%

$39,612 (2024) → $40,503 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Cheyenne or Rock Springs?

Cheyenne has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $44,497/year, compared to Rock Springs at $42,212/year — a difference of $2,285 (5.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cheyenne and Rock Springs?

Cheyenne sterile processing technicians earn $21.40/hr while Rock Springs hygienists earn $20.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cheyenne to Rock Springs as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cheyenne and Rock Springs. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cheyenne = $46,448, Rock Springs = $44,063), job availability (13 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Cheyenne vs Rock Springs?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $32,391 in Cheyenne and $34,862 in Rock Springs. The Rock Springs area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP

Career Analyst

Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov